O how my mind thinks sometimes. Did our Gospel reading this morning give reference to the Brady Bunch? Martha, Martha, Martha. See, that’s how my mind works. Today’s Gospel message, in my view, is the one of the main reasons behind this blog. We hear Martha complaining to Jesus that Mary is spending too much time with Him and not enough time with her in prepping the perfect meal, the perfect house, the perfect experience. And how did Jesus respond to Martha’s attempt at perfection?
…you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.
How many of us go about our days anxious and worried about many things? The kids have to get to school, soccer, scouts, volleyball, dancing, karate and you could probably name many more activities here. The laundry has to be done; the grass needs to be cut; dishes are stacking up in the sink (Richard, Tony, Teresa); the oil in the car needs changing…how busy are our lives? Pretty damn busy. Now how many of us take 60 minutes? 30 minutes? 5 minutes? out of our day to just sit and talk with Jesus???
We all know the work must get done. Jesus knows the work must get done. But Jesus also knows that if you don’t take the time to spend with Him, your work will still be there but your relationship with Him will slowly dissipate. One day turns into a week; one week turns into a month; one month turns into a year and before you know it you’ve found time for everything in your life except for the one who gave you life itself.
So it is my prayer that you find 5 minutes everyday to just sit and be with the One who loves you completely, without judgement, without prejudice. Make that a habit and you’ll find that 60 minutes out of your day with God isn’t hard at all, but rather some of the best times you’ll ever have.
Need some inspiration for that first 5 minutes today? I’m posting today’s responsorial psalm. Just read it and reflect on it for 5 minutes. It is a beautiful thought.
Responsorial Psalm PS 139:1B-3, 13-14AB, 14C-15
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
Truly you have formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother’s womb.
I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;
wonderful are your works.
R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
My soul also you knew full well;
nor was my frame unknown to you
When I was made in secret,
when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.
R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 